Golf Courses in Almeria

Europe’s second desert course, opened in 2002, was designed by José Canales. The small, circular tees are raised, giving a good view of wide open fairways that have to be reached over the arid land in between, and the greens are ample with multiple pin positions. There are three par-5 holes. Plan well on the 3rd, a par-4, as the fairway bordered by water offers various strategic points.

A mature and excellently maintained course, opened in 1979, it is one of the flattest in the country. It has wide fairways and the small, sloping greens are well protected by bunkers. The prevailing winds can present difficulties and no fewer than 12 of the holes have some tricky areas of rough and many water hazards.

Europe’s first desert course was designed by Peter McEvoy in true Arizona style with about half the grass areas normally found on other courses. There is an abundance of cactus, springs, rocks, water hazards and dry river beds and while the terrain is fairly flat there are many sandstone outcrops.

Golfers visiting Almerimar can look forward to a course of wide fairways, with a profusion of trees and plants which afford plenty of shade and, at the same time, serve as natural hazards, protecting the fast greens. The course was designed during the period that Gary Player had just embarked on a second career in golf course architecture and was working in association with the experienced Ron Kirby.

Lying close to the Cabo de Gata nature reserve, this championship course designed by Ramón Espinosa is within easy reach of the city of Almería. There is a good balance of varying length and direction in the holes and the technique for each needs some considered advance strategy. More than 60 well positioned bunkers come into play throughout the course and it has a lake to the right of the 5th hole which runs for almost all its length – when doubling back for the 6th it is there again on the right.

Natural hazards as well as artificial ones are brought into play in the unique layout of this course. Suitable for all handicaps, it is stimulating and challenging, requiring concentration but very rewarding for good shots. The ample greens have a selection of pin positions.

Opened in 2000 and designed by Ramón Espinosa, this course is located in a stunning position beside the Mediterranean. It is not overly long, but the garden-like setting with its multitude of trees and shrubs is incomparable, making it a joy to play at any time of the year. Sea views are a dominating feature all the way round the course and are especially remarkable from the 4th tee. Additionally there are four pitch-and-putt holes and an ample practice area with 25 tees, of which nine are under cover.

La Envia is set in a gently undulating valley and surrounded by mountains which protect it from the prevailing winds. An abundance of palms and cactus and other indigenous shrubs has been planted along the periphery of each hole, making this course a true oasis in the desert-like area.

Cortijo Grande Golf Course is a 9-hole inland course in Almería. This is one course that will satisfy those looking to golf in a truly majestic setting, among rolling hills and not too far from the sea. Almería is known for being one of the lesser developed corners of Andalucia and this golf development represents the best of that reputation.

The verdant colour of the fairways and greens contrasts spectacularly with the backdrop of the hillsides of the Sierra Aguilón at this well designed course that integrates perfectly into its natural environment. With more than 100 bunkers, six large lakes and numerous natural gullies to negotiate, playing a round here is an unforgettable experience. It is a very attractive course with wonderful views over the Mediterranean, and although the general layout is a comfortable one, players of all levels will find their game challenged in different ways.